The project, based on a concept of a “poor man’s food fest,” targets small businesses and aims to “improve the carinderia’s image, help the entrepreneurs behind them and present their unique style of cooking to a wider audience,” a statement from the organizer said.

Carinderias are ubiquitous street eateries serving native cuisine.

“A lot of us are slowly realizing that the home-cooked creations these carinderias serve form an important part of their community’s culture,” Montano said at the program’s media launch last month.

Puyat said she will ask Montano to explain allegations that the project did not undergo bidding and that he authorised full payment when the project contract supposedly stipulated payments in tranches.

The DOT chief also said she will ask the TPB head to explain why he rushed through his keynote address at a New York tourism presentation event because he was late for the viewing of the Broadway hit Hamilton.

It was not the first time corruption allegations were hurled at Montano. In March 2017, TPB employees filed a complaint against Montano for allegedly "mismanaging" the board, over alleged misuse of funds, and approving contracts for events where he himself performed.